When Chromecast first hit the scene last year, its insanely low price turned the set-top streaming market on its head. Sure, it wasn't a set-top in the truest sense, but it provided many of the same functions, and thanks to an update announced today amid the I/O keynote event, it will soon offer a few more. Notably, a new Android Mirroring feature is upon us, giving owners of the minute device a way of projecting their device's display directly over to their TV sets.
If you've ever used a Chromebook or indeed, a Chrome tower, you'll know that the software feels just a little bit too light. Sure, it's fast, and if you're heavily invested on Google products on the Web, then it's awesome for your day-to-day needs, but in some instances - i.e. where the use of an app is required - it's always good to have a Mac or PC handy. In a concerted effort try and resolve the issue of Chrome OS feeling like something of a ghost town, Google has announced its intention to get Android apps running natively on its desktop software, and although the process is still in the early stages, this could be a significant step in getting consumers onside with Chrome OS.
The Apple iPhone 6 is arguably the hottest topic in tech space right now, and given the purported redesign and significant size increases in store, it's no wonder smartphone fans are firmly gripped by another dose of iPhone Fever. While we've long since presumed that the handset would arrive in late September, as it ordinarily does, sources out of China have offered a firm date.
Samsung's release of the Gear Fit smartwatch back in February has really set the tone for this year. Apple's WWDC a couple of weeks back was heavily focused around the company's new HealthKit initiative, and Google has just countered by announcing Google Fit at I/O. Like HealthKit, its not so much an app as a platform, integrating with a myriad of Google services to track and log health-related data, and with Google having already named several partners including Adidas, Nike and RunKeeper, it will go toe-to-toe with HealthKit as the consumer electronics industry continues to spread its wings.
Not wanting to be left behind in the automobile space, Google has revealed its plans to invade our cars with its Android Auto initiative. More details on how it works, and when it will be available can be found right after the leap.
As expected, Google has taken the wraps off the Samsung Gear Live smartwatch running Android Wear smartwatch OS, and will be available to buy later today via the Google Play Store.
Although we have a fairly good idea of what Apple has in the offing with regards to software thanks to the recent announcement of iOS 8 and OS X 10.10 Yosemite, we're still very much in the dark as to what new devices the Cupertino will roll out later this year. The headlines may have been dominated with speculation pertaining to the likes of the iWatch and iPhone 6, but both the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display are expected to be treated to a customary refresh. Today, a new video takes a mockup of the next-gen iPad Air and compares it with the current model, and although the changes appear to be subtle, we can expect the already-svelte device to become even thinner this time around.
It's generally accepted that Apple's next-generation iPhone will ultimately be offered in two different sizes. A number of leaks have all but confirmed that the Cupertino company is working on a 4.7-inch smartphone as well as 5.5-inch model with a release cycle that could potentially be staggered. The latest question being posed by concerned potential consumers is whether or not the two models will offer the same functionality, differing only in physical size. If the latest predictions by Pacific West Securities is anything to go by then it could be the built-in camera modules that offer up the difference.
Microsoft BUILD and Apple WWDC are over and done with, and as ever, it's Google’s turn to wow us with some exciting new announcements and developments. With a new version of Android in the works along with news pertaining to Android Wear, Glass and the many other weird and wonderful side-projects that Google has going, the I/O 2014 keynote promises to be one of the more eventful show-pieces we've seen from the search giant in recent years. Below, we talk through what's next.
We may be on the eve of Google I/O, but that doesn't mean that the company is going to hold news back for its big opening keynote. Hot on the heels of the news that Glass is now available for order in the UK, Google has also announced that new units will ship with extra RAM and a larger battery, two changes that have apparently come about as part of the public beta the company has been running for quite a while now.
